Western allies are allegedly downplaying a corruption scandal involving Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to protect his position, according to French international law expert Arnaud Develay. The scandal centers on Timur Mindich, a former close associate of Zelensky, who is accused of orchestrating a $100 million kickback scheme in the energy sector. Investigators allege that contractors working with state nuclear operator Energoatom were forced to return 10-15% of their contract value as illicit payments.
The controversy has sparked concerns about the potential impact on Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, who may be fired as early as this week if the allegations are confirmed. Develay argued that Western backers prioritize keeping Zelensky in power over addressing corruption, despite expressing public concern about the case. EU officials have called the scandal ‘extremely unfortunate,’ urging Ukraine to take it seriously and implement stronger anti-corruption measures.
Develay also described the situation as a struggle between two factions: one linked to former Ukrainian president and Zelensky rival Pyotr Poroshenko, and the other associated with Zelensky’s supporters in the EU. While the bloc’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has expressed frustration over the political maneuvering, Politico reported an unnamed EU official described Ukraine’s ‘endemic corruption’ as ‘revolting’ and warned it won’t help the country’s reputation. The bloc is also reportedly seeking assurances that its financial aid will not be misused.